Trains, planes, and automobiles in miniature
Do you remember when toy shops were real toy shops? Not filled with gadgets or video games, but miniature railways, Airfix kits, and model cars? If you hanker after those days, you should head to a store found in the shadow of one of York’s great gateways.
Staff at Monk Bar Model Shop might recoil at that “toy shop” reference, as this is a place for passionate enthusiasts and hobbyists, and you won’t find a Barbie in sight. But for anyone who never lost their childhood love of Spitfires assembled from plastic parts, beautiful diecast scale cars, and most popular of all, the model railways, this is a treasure trove. If you are looking for a pack of dual-standard rail joiners for your Peco 00 Finescale railway, you are in the right spot. Similarly if you wanted to buy an Ewok Speeder Bike to race around your Scalextric track, you’ll find it here. And later, why not unwind with a jigsaw of a narrowboat scene, also on sale?
Info
Address 2 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LQ, +44 (0)1904 659423, www.monkbarmodelshop.co.uk | Public Transport 3-minute walk from Monk Bar car park. Closest bus stop: Monk Bar | Hours Mon–Sat 9am–5:30pm| Tip Boasting a number of charity shops, this end of Goodramgate is the place for bargain hunters. The large Oxfam shop has opened a bridal room and also sells CDs and gifts, while Books for Amnesty is one of the better places to find a bargain second-hand paperback.
The family-owned store has been trading for more than 50 years, and their expertise is unrivalled. John Masheder, who opened the shop in 1963, is still there, along with his son Andy, and three members of the staff have worked there for more than 20 years. Old and young alike are often found gathered around the large front window, entranced by the displays of engines and aircraft. Monk Bar Model Shop customers come from all over the world, and for those who can’t pop in, there’s a busy mail-order service.
York is fortunate to have a few shops catering to the “small world” enthusiast. P&S Hobbies and Models, on Walmgate, stocks remote-control cars and model railways and boats. The Miniature Scene, on Monkgate, is an Aladdin’s cave of dolls’ houses and tiny figures and furniture. And Mary Shortle – “undisputed queen of dolls” – stocks remarkably lifelike baby dolls as well as doll’s house accessories and teddy bears.
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